Deadly on Market Street: And That’s a Good Thing

Like you, when I want to hear some rocking ska tunes I head for the blighted section of mid-Market. At least that’s where it was happening Wednesday afternoon.

C.W. Nevius: San Francisco Chronicle

The Agent Deadlies put the sit/lie debate on hold for a moment and play some tunes.

The Agent Deadlies — all of whom looked to be about 15 but are actually college freshmen — were set up on the sidewalk in front of the graffiti-marked plywood under the St. Francis Theater sign.

Not to get carried away, but the immediate neighborhood was transformed by the Deadlies, who are pretty damn good. Spontaneous smiles broke out among pedestrians, street people tried out a few dance steps, and a small crowd gathered, bobbing their heads.

Lynn Valente, the program director for People in Plazas, says the event was just one of dozens over the next three months, all sponsored by corporations and neighborhood groups.

Great idea. If I ran the city I’d put a group right there once a week. At least.